Buffy and Angel Rewatch part 50

B6.19 Seeing Red
What a killer ending- literally. The main Trio arc comes to an end in this episode, early for a Buffy 'big bad'. Andrew and Jonathan were foolish to believe that Warren would ever give them the chance to become invincible. At least Jonathan had some sense and realised that later on to help Buffy, but really after other plans of theirs, why did they ever trust Warren. Its not surprising that Warren used a gun to try and get some the power he had lost back, its a powerful weapon and its shown here to be so.
Spike raping Buffy is a shocking scene whenever you watch it. At first it doesn't start off so bad, but it just gets progressively harder and harder to watch. I quite like Buffy and Spike's relationship up until this point, but after this it just sours and I don't think it can ever be repaired. (8/10)

B6.20 Villains
As the proper beginning of Willow's evil arc, this episode definitely delivers. I would've liked to have got more mourning for Tara, but there wasn't much time for that, and what we did get from Dawn was heartbreaking. Alyson Hannigan is an amazing actress so pulls of the dark/evil stuff very well. The 'conversation' with Osiris at the beginning of the episode was very important as resurrection has played a big part in the season so the issue of why Tara couldn't be brought back to life needed to be addressed.
It was interesting that by the end of it, only Buffy didn't want Warren dead, with all the others happy to let him die. This was slightly sanctimonious on Buffy's part, she doesn't have a license to kill but its easy to feel the others anger. She was right not to want Willow to take a life though, as discussed by Angel and Faith in season 3, taking a life changes you.
Warren's death scene was easily one of the most disgusting things the show has done, but it was powerful and effective, the final dialogue also leaves a great cliffhanger for the next episode. (8.5/10)

B6.21 Two To Go
Giles turning up at the end of this episode has to be one of my favourite cliff hanger endings the show, or any show has done. Its just so perfect and makes perfect sense. Plus since the show has been without Giles for so long, it is a pure delight that he's back.
To the main part of the episode, Dark Willow is a fun character a lot of the time, she makes a lot of snarky comments, about Dawn and Buffy that are perhaps what a lot of fans have been wanting someone to say to the characters. That said, its hard to believe that its sweet little Willow under the black hair and veiny-ness as what she's saying is so out of character. Willow and Buffy going up against each other is always a highlight of the season. As Willow says, it is a big deal to see our two heroines face off in a physical match no less. When it comes to everything else, brains, attitude, Willow is more than a match for Buffy, but not physically until this episode.
Its nice to see Anya step up a bit to try and stop Willow, I'm also pleased she and Xander got to hash things out a little amongst all the madness, as they both need it. Jonathan and to a greater extent Andrew are pretty annoying in the episode; they have to be, but it makes it hard to root for them against dark Willow. (8.5/10)

B6.22 Grave
I forgot just how wonderful this episode is. Its not the strongest finale but it rounds of the season wonderfully its certainly an interesting way to resolve the big bad. I mean how many shows would have their lead character in the episodes 'b' plot whilsts her sidekicks respectively tried to end the world and save the day. After 6 years all the core Scoobies have graduated and become heroes and super beings in their owns right and for a fan its very satisfying.
Giles and Willow facing off was very enjoyable, though I would've liked to have seen more of it. Giles' welcome homes from Anya and Buffy, especially their laughing fits were very endearing. I must admit the teariest part of the episode was when Anya said that Giles might die and seeing him weak was so sad. The pair work well together and even though it was a little convenient that Giles could see everything that was happening, it did help narrate the plot a bit, which is important in a finale.
I'm not sure if I totally buy that dark Willow could be stopped just by Xander telling her he loves her- is that all she needed? However, its hard not to melt when Xander tells Willow the crayon breaky story and holds her as she breaks down. Also I guess it does make sense since Willow's power started pretty abruptly too.
I've always viewed Buffy and Dawn getting stuck underground in the cemetery as the weakest plot and whilst I stand by this, it was stronger than I remembered. It was a heartwarming way to tie off Buffy's depression and for her to finally treat Dawn as more of an adult. Dawn is a lot less annoying in season 7 as a result.
Spike's torture treatment in Africa is finally revealed in this episode. His has been a funny storyline with just a few brief scenes each episode, with little actual dialogue in the last two episodes. I don't love the trials he had to go through to get his soul, it reeks a little too much of Angel in (A) season 2's The Trial and it just feels a little over familiar, though at least the trials were different and it made for a terrific final scene. (9/10)